Hawks Break Losing Streak with Win Over Bulls

(SL)– It was ugly from the 3pt line, but the Hawks were strong enough in other areas to take a victory over the Bulls. Chicago was without Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler and Atlanta took full advantage. Bulls Coach Fred Hoiberg said, “Right from the beginning, they out muscled us,” Hoiberg said. “They got second-chance opportunities pretty much every time down. We’d get an initial stop, then we couldn’t get the ball. Ball movement was not good on the other end.

“I don’t get it. We had three good games, we made a lot of progress, and we took a step back today.”When asked about his team’s turnovers, “We had 21,” Hoiberg said. “And that’s what we’ve talked about for two days is taking care of the basketball. We’d averaged just over 20 against this team, and you just don’t give yourself a chance to win when you have careless turnovers like that. It leads to transition baskets. You’re taking the ball out of the net. I don’t know … too careless.”

The Bulls have struggled against the Hawks all season.Jeff Teague led Atlanta with 19pts, 9 assists and 2 steals while Al Horford chipped in 18 pts. Paul Millsap struggled a bit hitting only 3 shots out of 12, but was big on the boards with 13 rebounds.At the half, the Hawks were 2 for 20 from the arch but Coach Bud says they were good looks and he wasn’t mad at the attempts. In the end though, Atlanta pulled out a 103-88 victory. It’s a much needed win as the Hawks try to position themselves for some playoff action.

It won’t be easy though. After Sunday’s match against the Hornets, the Hawks will prepare for a long trip out West that includes games against the Lakers, Clippers and the Warriors.